Here are eight tips about these new statements that can help you file your taxes.

While the forms may help you complete your tax return, they are not requiredto file. You can file your federal tax return even if you have not received one of these statements.

Form 1095-B, Health Coverage, is used by providers to report information to the IRS and to taxpayers about individuals who are covered by minimum essential coverage and therefore aren't liable for the individual shared responsibility payment.

Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage is used by companies with 50 or more full-time employees to report the information required about offers of health coverage and enrollment in health coverage for their employees.

Form 1095-C is also used by employers that offer employer-sponsored self-insured coverage to report information about individuals who have minimum essential coverage under the employer plan and therefore are not liable for the individual shared responsibility payment for the months that they are covered under the plan.

Individuals who worked for multiple employers that are required to file Form 1095-C may receive a Form 1095-C from each employer.

For your protection, form 1095-B and 1095-C may only include only the last four digits of your social security number or taxpayer identification number.

These forms will be mailed to you, unless you consent to paperless (electronic) statements with your health insurance company.

Health insurance providers should furnish a copy of Form 1095-B, to you if you are identified as the “responsible individual.”

This sounds complicated, but it's not that bad. That's the best thing about using software to do your taxes - we ask you simple questions, crunch the numbers, and put everything in it's place, just the way Uncle Sam likes it.

Following a review of the tax extenders legislation signed into law last week, the Internal Revenue Service announced today that the nation’s tax season will begin as scheduled on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016. That’s one day earlier than last year’s start date (January 20, 2015).

You can file your taxes before January 19th with most tax software providers and they will be stockpiled until IRS is open. When e-file is ready, returns will be submitted to IRS in the order they were received.

As mentioned earlier, Tax Day is pushed out a bit this year. Tax Day is on Monday, April 18, 2016, rather than April 15, 2016.

“We look forward to opening the 2016 tax season on time,” IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said. “Our employees have been working hard throughout this year to make this happen. We also appreciate the help from the nation’s tax professionals and the software community, who are critical to helping taxpayers during the filing season.”

Koskinen noted the new legislation makes permanent many provisions and extends many others for several years. "This provides certainty for planning purposes, which will help taxpayers and the tax community as well as the IRS," he said.

Choosing e-file and direct deposit for refunds remains the fastest and safest way to file an accurate income tax return and receive a refund. The IRS anticipates issuing more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days.

Great question! But what you really meant to ask is – when can I file my 2015 taxes? It’s a bit confusing. In 2016 you will be filing your 2015 taxes, settling up with Uncle Sam on the income you made in 2015.

November 2015

TaxAct opened its virtual doors and started preparing 2015 tax returns.

January 19, 2016

IRS e-file goes live and begins processing returns. If you file your taxes before this date, TaxAct will transmit your return as soon as IRS is ready to process it.

February 1, 2016

Deadline for your employer to mail you your 2015 W-2. Note this is a mailing deadline, not a receipt deadline, so if your company is slacking, it may take a few extra days to get it via snail mail. Many employers offer electronic versions via the same website you can view your pay checks.

If you received unemployment income, this is also the deadline for the state(s) to provide you with a 1099-G.

Finally, this is deadline for banks to supply you with a 1099-INT reporting bank account interest you made. Note that banks are only required to issue a 1099-INT if you made at least $10 of interest during the year, however you are still required to report it even if they don’t send you one. If you made less than $10, use your bank statements or online banking to determine the amount of interest you made.

April 18, 2016

Tax Day. Yes, you read that right, it's April 18th in 2016 instead of April 15th.

You can thank Washington, D.C., for the extra time. Washington will celebrate Emancipation Day on April 15. This is a federal holiday, so the IRS will be closed. Emancipation Day is typically celebrated on April 16. However April 16 falls on a Saturday in 2016, so Emancipation Day was celebrated on Friday April 15, and Tax Day was pushed back to Monday April 18.

Didn't file your 2015 taxes on time? No worries, we'll let you in on an industry secret – if you're getting a refund, you can file for up to 3 years with no late fees or penalties! If you owe additional taxes, your penalties are racking up, so file your return as soon as possible. Either way, it's not too late to file your 2015 taxes. File Now or Learn More.

October 15, 2016

If you filed an extension and owe additional taxes, this is your deadline to file your completed return and pay any remaining taxes owed.

Didn't file your 2015 taxes by April 18, 2016? Yes, tax day was the 18th this year instead of the 15th. No worries, we'll let you in on an industry secret – if you're getting a refund, you can file for up to 3 years with no late fees or penalties! If you owe additional taxes, your penalties are racking up so file your tax return as soon as possible to stop the clock on them. Either way, it's not too late to file your 2015 taxes. Read more about your specific situation below.

If you're getting a refund on your 2015 tax return:

You can file through April 18, 2019 (October 18, 2019 if you filed an extension) with no late fees or penalties.

The IRS stops accepting e-files for 2015 returns in November 2016. If you don't file by then, you'll need to print and file by mail. Don't worry, we'll walk you through that, too.

If you don't file by 2019, you forfeit your refund.

Your refund is an interest free loan you've given Uncle Sam, so why give him any longer to pay you back? And it’s not a small loan – the average refund is around $2,800 this year! File today and get your refund back!

If you owe additional 2015 taxes:

There is no penalty if you filed an extension and paid 90% or more of taxes owed by April 18, 2016 as long as you file your return by October 18, 2016.

A late filing penalty applies if you owe taxes and didn't file your return or an extension by April 18, 2016.

The late filing penalty is 5% of the additional taxes owed amount for every month (or fraction thereof) your return is late, up to a maximum of 25%.

The late filing penalty is 10 times higher than the late payment penalty. If you can't pay your tax bill and didn't file an extension, at least file your return as soon as possible! You can always amend it later.

A late payment penalty applies if you didn't pay 90% or more of taxes owed by April 18, 2016, whether you filed an extension or not.

The late payment penalty is 0.5% (1/2 of 1 percent) of the additional tax owed amount for every month (or fraction thereof) the owed tax remains unpaid, up to a maximum of 25%.

If you're not sure if you owe or are getting a refund in 2015:

If there's a chance you owe, the penalties are racking up, so don't wait another day.

Most of our customers complete their taxes in minutes, so file now and get it over with.

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Haven't filed your taxes yet? Considering filing a tax extension? Read this article before you do, because tax extensions are fool's gold. Why? You may not need to file an extension and if you do file an extension, you still have to pay the taxes you owe. The following info applies to federal tax returns, many states have different rules.

If you're NOT getting a refund (you owe additional taxes), you still have to pay at least 90% of the taxes you owe by April 15th. That's right, an extension does't buy you any extra time to pay the taxes you owe. Plus, you still have to prepare enough of your tax return to determine if you owe and how much you owe. Once you've done this much work, you might as well go the last mile and just finish and file your return.

So What Should I Do Instead of Filing a Tax Extension?

File your tax return! As mentioned above, if you're getting a refund there is no need to file an extension. Don't get us wrong, we're not suggesting that you extend the interest free loan you've given Uncle Sam, but if you can't file by 4/15 and you're sure you're getting a refund - don't sweat it. Just file when. We do recommend you file in 2015, as most tax software companies raise their prices for prior year returns.

If you owe additional taxes, then you definitely should file by April 15th. Otherwise you must: 1) File an extension by April 15, 2015, 2) pay 90% or more of taxes owed by April 15th, 3) File your return and pay remaining taxes owed by October 15, 2015.

If you don't file your return or an extension by April 15, 2015, a late filing penalty applies:

The late filing penalty is 5% of the additional taxes owed amount for every month (or fraction thereof) your return is late, up to a maximum of 25%.

The late filing penalty is 10 times higher than the late payment penalty. If you can’t pay your tax bill and didn’t file an extension, at least file your return as soon as possible! You can always amend it later.

And, a late payment penalty applies if you don’t pay 90% or more of taxes owed by April 15, 2015, whether you filed an extension or not.

The late payment penalty is 0.5% (1/2 of 1 percent) of the additional tax owed amount for every month (or fraction thereof) the owed tax remains unpaid, up to a maximum of 25%.

In other words, you're not getting off the hook for the taxes you owe and you're going to expose yourself to more late fees, penalties, and headaches.

What Else Do I Need To Know About Tax Extensions?

As mentioned above, an extension does NOT give you any extra time to pay the IRS the taxes you owe. If you're stuck and unable to pay the taxes you owe, contact the IRS immediately and work out a payment plan.

We're not advocating filing late or taking unnecessary risks. If there is any chance you owe additional taxes, you need to pay them by April 15th and file your tax return or an extension. We recommend you spend that time and energy completing your return, not filing an extension.

The deadline to file your taxes in 2015, also known as Tax Day, is April 15th.

Tax Day 2015

April 15th. If you know one date about taxes, it's this one. However the most well known date in the tax code is also the most misunderstood. Most people think it's the deadline for filing their personal income taxes. That's pretty close and there's no reason why you shouldn't file by 4/15. However if you're getting a refund, which most taxpayers are, you don't have to file by tax day. In fact you have 3 years to file with no late fees or penalties. Note this info applies to federal returns, many states have different rules.

So What Does Tax Day Really Mean?

Tax Day is a payment deadline, not necessarily a filing deadline. The meaning differs if you're getting a refund vs. if you owe taxes. The following information applies to Tax Day 2015 (filing taxes on the money you made in 2014).

If you’re getting a refund:

You can file for 3 years, through April 15, 2018 with no late fees or penalties. You don't need to file an extension, just file whenever you like.

If you don’t file by 2018, you forfeit your refund.

Although you don't have to file by April 15, we recommend you do. Your refund is an interest free loan you're giving Uncle Sam, why give him any longer to pay you back? And it's not a small loan - the average refund is $2,893 this year! File today and get yours!

If you owe additional taxes:

There is no penalty if you file an extension and pay 90% or more of taxes owed by April 15, 2015 as long as you file your return by October 15, 2015.

A late filing penalty applies if you owe taxes and don't file your return or an extension by April 15, 2015.

The late filing penalty is 5% of the additional taxes owed amount for every month (or fraction thereof) your return is late, up to a maximum of 25%.

The late filing penalty is 10 times higher than the late payment penalty. If you can’t pay your tax bill and didn’t file an extension, at least file your return as soon as possible! You can always amend it later.

A late payment penalty applies if you don't pay 90% or more of taxes owed by April 15, 2015, whether you filed an extension or not.

The late payment penalty is 0.5% (1/2 of 1 percent) of the additional tax owed amount for every month (or fraction thereof) the owed tax remains unpaid, up to a maximum of 25%.

If you’re not sure if you owe or are getting a refund:

If there’s a chance you owe, the penalties could be racking up, so don’t risk it by waiting. File by April 15.

Most of our customers complete their taxes in minutes, so file now and get it over with.

What About Filing an Extension?

Extensions are fool’s gold – you still have to pay at least 90% of taxes owed. That means you have to do enough of your taxes to determine how much you owe. You might as well just spend a few more minutes and finish your taxes. And if you're getting a refund, federal extensions are unnecessary. You have 3 years to file, without filing an extension.

What If I Miss the Tax Filing Deadline?

As mentioned above, it depends if you're getting a refund or owe taxes. If you're getting a refund, you can file for 3 years, through April 15, 2018, with no late fees or penalties. If you are unable to pay the taxes you owe, contact the IRS and work out a payment plan.

What is efile? How do you efile your taxes? We explain it all in this short and sweet article.

What is efile?

eFile, also known as e-file or electronic filing, is a system for submitting tax information to the IRS through the internet or a direct connection, usually without having to submit any paperwork. IRS developed eFile in 1986 to lower cost and paper usage and it has grown into the most popular way for individuals and businesses to send their tax returns to IRS. Think of it as online bill pay for your taxes.

How do I efile my taxes?

The easiest way to efile is to use online tax software. Both IRS and all major tax software providers recommend efile as the best way to submit your tax return. Here's how to efile your taxes:

Use the software you selected to prepare your tax return. Don't worry, the best software packages make it very easy. You don't need to know anything about taxes and they do all the math for you.

Once you're done preparing your return, you'll be asked if you want to efile your taxes or print and mail your return to the IRS.

You'll verify your identity and "sign" your return electronically.

The tax software you're using will securely transmit your return to the IRS.

How much does efile cost?

The IRS does not charge you or the tax software company you use for efile. They want us all to use is because it's easier for them and better for the environment. Many tax companies do charge a modest fee for preparing your tax return with them. We have to pay our employees, buy and maintain secure servers, and have the normal expenses that any business does after all. Most software sites allow you to start for free and not pay until the end, so you can see which one you like best before committing. Watch out for those upgrade offers and add-ons, though. Trust me, you do NOT need audit insurance!

How do I get my refund?

This is the most important question of course! As you're efiling your taxes, you'll be able to select how you want to receive your refund. The fastest way is to have it direct deposited into your bank account. You can chose to have IRS send you a paper check, but that takes several weeks longer. Some tax companies offer pre-paid debit cards and other offers that are essentially payday loans. We strongly recommend you avoid them - they are loaded with hidden fees and the interest rates (APR) can be astronomical. Most refunds are issued within a few days after IRS receives your efile, so you won't have to wait long.

How do I check the status of my refund?

That's all there is to it! The IRS is far from perfect, but efile is a good system especially when compared to the alternative. Who wants to print their return, attach a paper copy of their W-2, and mail it all in?

If you found this information helpful, we appreciate the chance to earn your business. We pride ourselves on being the most user friendly tax software on the market. Most of our customers get their taxes done in just a few minutes and we won't try to sell you a bunch of extra stuff you don't need.

Common Form has teamed up with tech startup LawnStarter to provide tax preparation software for lawn care companies and landscapers. “Common Form is a huge value add for these guys. They work 60 hour weeks mowing lawns and trimming bushes so our homes can look nice. A 5 minute tax solution is perfect for them” says COO Ryan Farley. Looking for lawn care service here in town? Check out their San Diego lawn care page to learn about the services they provide.

Our fingers still stained with BBQ sauce, we present to you the very best that the South has to offer in accounting education, The Top 10 Accounting Schools in the South.

10. University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Haslam College of Business Administration

Starting us off at #10 on our list is The Haslam College of Business Administration at University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Tennessee, the birthplace of the blues and the home of Jack Daniels, is known for excellence and Haslam College of Business is no exception. The Haslam school ranked 24th in the Public Accounting Report. The Master of Accountancy program at University of Tennessee prides itself on their commitment to improving the world. Graduates of the Accountancy program find themselves receiving offers from the Big Four accounting firms and other notable companies. There is a 90% placement rate for its graduate accounting students, with expected mid-career average earnings of $77,000. Alumni become a Vol for Life, being inducted into the network that spans the globe.

9. University of Alabama, Culverhouse School of Accountancy

The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse School of Accountancy has rolled in at a very respectable 9th on our rankings. Culverhouse is no stranger to being in the top 10, as it has found its way onto TaxTalent’s top 10 rankings as well. The University of Alabama is one of the oldest and largest institutions of higher education in the state. Culverhouse offers a Master of Accountancy with a strong mentor program that provides valuable networking opportunities, coaching, and often leads to job offers. Upon graduation 91% of students find themselves gainfully employed with a mid-career salary of $ 74,000. Roll Tide!

8. University of Virginia, McIntire School of Commerce

Coming in at #8 is the University of Virginia, McIntire School of Commerce. We aren’t the only ones who think they're stellar. TaxTalent ranked them 6th in their top 10, and Public Accounting Report has them ranked 23rd nationally. One facet of the program that sets McIntire apart is The Galant Center for Entrepreneurship. Founded in 2008 by proud alumnus Mark E. Galant, their mission is "to encourage, educate, and empower students—past and present— to take on crucial roles in the new venture community, thereby impacting the world in which we live and creating value of all kinds.” 95% of the graduates of the School of Commerce find employment with average Mid-career earnings of $112,000. Wah-hoo-wah UVA!

7. Wake Forest University, School of Business

Our 7th place pick is a prestigious private school located in North Carolina, Wake Forest University’s School of Business. Wake Forest University distinguishes itself by providing a small class size and a high faculty to student ratio. Wake Forest professors found that More Female Executives Means Less Tax Evasion, research that was featured in Bloomberg. Wake Fores had the number one CPA pass rate in 2013 and the class of 2014 had a 100% employment rate upon graduation. The average mid-salary earnings of a WFU graduate are $105,000. Well done Demon Deacons!

6. University of Georgia, Terry College of Business

The Bulldogs using their brawn in research to bully their way into 6th place. The University of Georgia, Terry College of Business is also well known for its excellent faculty. They've been recognized by AAA Auditing Section Outstanding Educator Award and the American Tax Association Outstanding Manuscript Award. Even more impressive is that five of Terry faculty members are considered the most productive researchers being in the top 5% over the last 50 years. With extraordinary faculty like that, it is no wonder the school’s employment placement rate in 2013-2014 was 97%. Alumni of the Accounting program can expect to earn average mid-career salaries of $92,000. Congrats Uga and high-five, Hairy Dawg!

5. University of Mississippi, Patterson School of Accountancy

Flim Flam, Bim Bam, OLE MISS BY DAMN! And the #5 ranking goes to the University of Mississippi, Patterson School of Accountancy. University of Mississippi is the largest university in the state and the largest employer in Lafayette, MS. Patterson is unique in that the university made it a separate school in 1979. The school placed fifth in the national rankings of Public Accounting Report. Along with remarkable faculty and small class size, the accounting school is home to the National Tax History Research Center and the National EDP Audit Archival Center. 94% of grads are offered employment within 6 months with average mid-career wages of $84,000. Way to fight Rebel Black Bears!

4. Texas A&M University, Mays Business School

Texas A&M University, Mays Business School is next, grabbing a top 4 spot on our list. This is one of two premier Texas business schools in our line-up. A&M got its start as a military and agricultural school. Those roots are still visible today in campus architecture and culture, but that hasn't stopped it from developing a top tier accounting school. Mays Business School was ranked #4 in Washington Monthly's 2014 "National Universities Rankings” based on three broad categories: social mobility, research, and service. The Master of Science in Accounting program from Mays provides students with technical accounting skills in addition to soft skills like teamwork and communication. Texas A&M is viewed as one of the nation’s top four (again) most affordable public universities with the highest ROI (what graduates are projected to earn in their first 20 years of careers divided by cost of attendance). The Texas A&M grads become part of an elite alumni network and 96% find employment. They can expect an average mid-salary income of $ 98,000. Gig 'em, Aggies!

3. University of Florida, Warrington College of Business Administration

University of Florida, Warrington College of Business Administration wins the bronze medal as our third ranked school in the South. Their Master's program offers three tracks, including taxation. The University of Florida is one of the largest research universities in the nation and the accounting department is no exception. Their International Center for Research in Accounting and Auditing focuses on advancing the overall educational and academic goals at the same time as increasing global visibility. As a testament to the fine instruction the students receive, in 2013, Warrington students ranked 12th in CPA pass rate among 262 schools. 93% of graduates receive job offers within 90 days of graduating with average mid-career earnings of $87,000. Give a cheer for the Orange and Blue!

2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School

1. University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business

Brimming with pride from coming in first place, the blue ribbon winner is the University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business. True, UT is our CEO’s alma mater, but we're not biased. U.S. News and World Report lists them as the top accounting school in the country in its most recent rankings. They offer a Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) degree program with a fast track from Bachelor's to Master's in as little as 12 months. Distinguishing McCombs is its focus on creating an individual plan for success in the workplace based on each student’s goals and strengths. The Texas Exes have a tight-knit network of business partners to help students find jobs and 94% do so within 90 days of graduation. The average mid-career salary is a healthy $107,000. Hook 'em Horns!

If you lose your job, you may qualify for unemployment benefits. The payments may serve as much needed relief. But did you know unemployment benefits are taxable? Here are five key facts about unemployment compensation:

1. Unemployment is taxable. You must include all unemployment compensation as income for the year. If you received unemployment in 2014 you should receive a Form 1099-G from the state that paid you by February 2, 2015. This form shows the amount paid to you and any federal income tax withheld.

2. Unemployment is paid under U.S. or state law. There are various types of unemployment compensation. Unemployment includes amounts paid under U.S. or state unemployment compensation laws.

3. Union benefits may be taxable. You must include benefits paid to you from regular union dues in your income. Other rules may apply if you contributed to a special union fund and those contributions are not deductible. In that case, you only include as income any amount that you got that was more than the contributions you made.

4. You may have tax withheld. You can choose to have federal income tax withheld from your unemployment. You can have this done using Form W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request. Most people don't do this, and pay taxes owed when they file their tax return.

5. Visit IRS.gov for help. If you’re facing financial difficulties, you should visit the IRS.gov page: “What Ifs” for Struggling Taxpayers. This page explains the tax effect of events such as job loss. For example, if your income decreased, you may be eligible for certain tax credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit. If you owe federal taxes and can’t pay your bill, contact the IRS. In many cases, the IRS can take steps to help ease your financial burden.

IRS makes it sound more complicated than it is. We ask you all the right questions, put the numbers in the right places, and do the math so you get the biggest refund possible.

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What is a W-2?

Simply put, a W-2 is a tax form your employer sends you, known as a Wage and Tax Statement. Sounds simple, then why are there so many boxes and codes? Familiarizing yourself with the most important parts of this form can help you understand the income you made, taxes you paid, and prepare you for filing your tax return.

W-2, wages and withholding

Most taxpayers are considered employees and will receive a W-2 from their employer(s) by February 2, 2015. In addition to the wages, salaries and tips you made, the W-2 reports the amount of federal, state, and other taxes withheld from your paycheck. If you are not considered an employee, then your income will be reported on a different form. Independent contractors typically receive a 1099-MISC.

Why is your tax withholding important?

Your employer withholds money from your paycheck for federal income taxes. When you prepare your tax return, you compare the amount withheld to the amount of tax you owe. If too much was withheld, you get a tax refund. If too little was withheld, you owe additional taxes.

What are all those boxes and codes on the W-2 Form?

This is the best part of using TaxAct - they deal with all of this for you. Our easy to use software helps you enter this data in the right place and we do all the calculations for you. If you're the curious type, here's what the most frequently used boxes mean.

Box 1:Wages, tips, and other compensation. This is the amount of your total taxable wages or salary being reported to the IRS for federal income tax purposes. This amount includes any wages, salary, tips you reported, bonuses, and other taxable compensation.

Box 2:Federal income tax withheld. This is the total amount of Federal Income Tax withholdings from your paychecks. This represents the amount of federal taxes your employer has withdrawn throughout the year.

Box 3:Social Security wages. Box 3 reports the total amount of wages subject to the Social Security tax.

Box 4:Social Security tax withheld. This box reports the entire amount of Social Security taxes withheld from your paychecks. Usually, the Social Security tax2 is a flat tax rate of 6.2% on your wage income, up to a maximum wage base of $117,700 (for tax year 2014).

Box 5:Medicare wages and tips. Box 5 is the amount of wages subject to the Medicare tax. Medicare wages includes any deferred compensation, 401(k) contributions, or other fringe benefits that are excluded from the federal income tax.

Box 6:Medicare tax withheld. This is the amount of tax withheld from your paycheck for the Medicare tax. The Medicare tax is a based on a 1.45% flat tax rate of your total Medicare wages.

Box 12:Deferred Compensation and Other Compensation. Box 12 will have a single or double letter code followed by a dollar amount. It can report many types of income, such as a 401(k) plan, 403(b) plan, or a Health Savings Plan (HSA). Often box 12 is for your information only. Here's a detailed list of box 12 codes.

There are several other boxes on your W-2 that may have information in them, but boxes 1 - 6 are the most common. If you have data in those other boxes, enter them into Common Form and we'll deal with them appropriately.

Attaching your W-2

When you finish your tax return and get ready to file it, remember that a copy of your W-2 must be attached. If you e-file using tax software then your W-2 information is sent along with your tax return. However, if you are filing by mail then you need to include a copy of your W-2 in the envelope.

The codes and amounts in Box 12 of your W-2 are important for preparing your return. Some codes affect your current year income tax return, and other codes are simply for your information. Enter them into Common Form and we'll handle them appropriately.
Here's a summary of the codes that pertain to your tax return and how we handle these amounts for you:

A and B: Uncollected social security and Medicare tax on tips. This represents the social security and Medicare tax on the tips you reported to your employer. There will be an amount here if your employer didn't withhold social security or Medicare taxes on these tips.

C: Taxable cost of group-term life insurance. You received group-term life insurance valued at more than $50,000 from your employer. The amount is also reported in Boxes 1, 3 and 5 of your W-2 and appears in Box 12 for your information only.

D, E, F, G, S, and H: These codes give you information about contributions to your retirement plan at work, and they are for your information only:

D: 401(k) plan

E: 403(b) plan

F: 408(k)(6) plan

G: 457(b) plan

S: 408(p) salary reduction SIMPLE retirement account

H: 501(c)(18)(D) plan

J: You received non-taxable sick pay.

K: Excise tax for excess golden parachute payments.

L: Your employer reimbursed you for employee business expenses that you paid out of your own pocket and the amount you received as a reimbursement is greater than the amount you actually spent. This amount isn't included in your income in Box 1, so you cannot deduct any of the expenses related to this reimbursement.

M and N: Uncollected social security and Medicare tax on group-term life insurance. If your employer pays for life insurance for you, you have to pay tax on premiums for the life insurance coverage that is in excess of $50,000. The amount of the excess premiums are included in Box 1 of your Form W-2, so you'll pay income tax on them when you file your return. Your employer didn't withhold any social security or Medicare taxes on the amount, so you cannot file a Form 1040EZ.

P: Exclusionary moving expense reimbursements. This amount isn't included in your income in Box 1.

R: Your employer made contributions to an Archer MSA (medical savings account) for you. If you have to pay tax on any of the contributions, the amount is already included in Box 1 of your W-2.

T: Employer-provided adoption benefits.

V: Your income from the exercise of non-statutory stock options. This amount is included in Box 1 of your W-2.

We present to you the very best that the Midwest has to offer in accounting education, The Top 10 Accounting Schools in the Midwest.

10. Northern Illinois University, College of Business

Starting our list off in fine form with a ranking of #10 is Northern Illinois University, College of Business. This mighty Illinois business school beat out two well-known alternates to secure its rank in our top 10 list. “Finish the Fight!” Well done Huskies! What sets this university apart is the offering of a Master of Accounting Science in Leadership. A rare degree taught by their notable faculty. This program provides students with leadership skills and the ability to effectively make important business decisions. Having the distinction of being ranked #1 in Illinois by Businessweek for providing the greatest return on investment (calculated by salary earned per annual tuition dollar spent). A degree from NIU is money well spent. Students from NIU are expected to make a mid-career salary of $ 120,000 with 94% being offered employment upon graduation.

9. University of Missouri, Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business

Next in the line-up with a solid #9 is University of Missouri, Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business and they MIZ BIZ! 2014 was a memorable year for the university, marking the 100 year anniversary of the school’s existence. This birthday hasn’t slowed down the University of Missouri a bit, even if it is a centenarian, as they recently launched their Entrepreneurial Scholars and Interns Program. This is a highly selective entrepreneurial program for students including a 10 week paid summer internship. University of Missouri didn’t stop there. The year was also notable for faculty member Elaine Mauldin, as her research on audit fees was published by the Wallstreet Journal. All this bodes well for students with an advanced degree from Trulaske, as they can expect an average mid-career salary of $125,000,with 96% of students finding employment soon after graduation.

7. Indiana University – Bloomington, Kelley School of Business

Indiana University – Bloomington, Kelley School of Business is Breaking Away from the pack as these Indiana Hoosiers earn the highly coveted lucky #7. The accounting program has also been recognized by U.S. News and World Report and TaxTalent as a top 10 graduate accounting program. The curriculum at Kelley School of Business “mirrors real-world situations.” Students are expected to participate in consulting projects in cooperation with top corporations. Kelley accounting faculty is unrivaled by other larger institutions. Patrick Hopkins was honored by the American Accounting Association for his research uncovering companies that hid poor accounting practices to make their bottom line look better than it really was. With remarkable faculty like Patrick, students are well prepared to take on a career in accounting and are highly sought after for a close to 100% employment rate and an average mid-career salary of $103,000.

6. University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business

The University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business is located in Northern Indiana and while there is no hunchback lurking in the school bell tower, legend has it that you can still hear echoes of “Rudy, Rudy” being chanted through the stadium corridors. These “fighting Irish” do business as well as they do football, earning a respectable #6 on our list. The Accounting department is recognized for its Center for Accounting Research and Education (CARE), whose objective is to “strengthen the bridges between accounting research, accounting education, and accounting practice.” According to Public Accounting Report and TaxTalent Mendoza College placed 4th in the nation and is a highly favored institution among tax hiring authorities. It makes perfect sense, that 99% of Mendoza College graduates had an immediate job offer and enjoy an average mid-career salary of $119,000 a year.

5. University of Iowa, Tippie College of Business

University of Iowa, Tippie College of Business comes in at #5 and that is no Field of Dreams! UI is located in the small percentage of the state that is not dominated by farmland. The Tippie Master of Accountancy program puts the power in the hands of the students with four concentrations from which to choose. Offerings are in Financial/Auditing, Management Information Systems, Managerial Accounting, or Tax. The Accounting department faculty is top in their field. Many have been recognized for their pace-setting curriculum. Ramji Balakrishnan is a bit of a Tippie celebrity on campus with many acclaimed published works in the accounting field, including "The Influence of Institutional Constraints on Outsourcing," published in the Journal of Accounting Research, 2010. 48(4): 767-791. Due to the stellar preparation, Tippie students who took the CPA exam for the first time had an excellent CPA pass rate of around 75%. Graduates of UI often earn an average mid-career salary of $86,000 annually. 93% of students are employed upon graduation.

4. Miami University (Ohio), Farmer School of Business

Don’t be confused by the name, you won't see any farmer’s tans at the Miami University (Ohio), Farmer School of Business. This business school is nestled in the Ohio Valley just miles from Cincinnati and has earned the #4 spot on our list of 10. Farmer School of Business is no novice to this type of recognition. The graduate accounting program routinely falls in the top 20 of Public Accounting Report’s list of top programs. Farmer is extremely competitive only accepting 20-25 students each year. They are well-known for their Experimental Learning including the Center for Business Excellence (CBE), which serves as a bridge that connects faculty, their students and external stakeholders. Another Farmer innovation in education is the PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) Case Competition, which prepares students by requiring them to work in teams to solve hypothetical problems relating to taxes and tax code. It is no wonder that graduate employment rate is 98% with active recruitment by “The Big Four accounting firms.” Their average mid-career salary runs around $81,000.

3. DePaul University

Winning the bronze medal is DePaul University. This school is the highest ranked Chicago business college according to Bloomberg Businessweek's 2014 national rankings of undergraduate business programs. The graduate school was named for Charles H. Kellstadt, the former CEO and chairman of Sears. Roebuck & Co, in 1992. The Accountancy program is credited with three programs ranked in the top 10 according to corporate tax hiring authorities surveyed by TaxTalent.com. The college's Master of Science in Taxation program was ranked No. 2, Master of Science in Accountancy program was ranked No. 3, and the undergraduate accounting program placed No. 6 nationally. Graduates of this fine institution become part of a close-knit alumni network in the accounting field. It follows that an impressive 90% of graduates find themselves gainfully employed within 6 months of graduation and on average earn a mid-career salary of $120,000.

2. The Ohio State University, Max M. Fisher College of Business

Second place is The Ohio State University, Max M. Fisher College of Business. Earning Fisher this distinction is its unprecedented student-faculty ratio of 3-to-1. This individual attention helps students excel and exceed even their own expectations. Fisher College of Business does not only set the pace for learning, their research centers are impeccable. Charles A. Dice Center for Financial Economics is just one of 10 extraordinary research centers setting the standard for innovation and best practices. The College of Business enjoys a ranking of 11th and 12th in U.S News & World Report and Public Accounting Report, respectively. Another aspect of the program that sets the Buckeye’s apart is its flexibility. 78% of the coursework is made up of electives. Students can pick and choose from: financial reporting, managerial decision making, finance, taxation, and auditing. The school has a strong job placement assistance program FisherConnect. Graduates can expect calls from top firms such as: Ernst & Young, Deloitte, KPMG, Limited Brands, and Chase, putting the post-graduate employment rate at 92% with an average mid-career salary of $96,000 a year.

1. University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign, College of Business

The blue ribbon goes to the third Illinois business school in the line-up, University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign, College of Business. University of Illinois, the second centenarian on our list has been running a remarkable accounting program for 100 years. The university is in the news not only for putting their controversial mascot Chief Illiniwek to rest, the business school ranked in the top 3 in both U.S. News & World Report and Public Accounting Report. Maybe their next mascot should be King ROI, as they were ranked #5 in a national survey for educational return on investment. Additionally, University of Illinois is leader in research. Two highly regarded research programs on campus include KPMG & UIUC Business Measurement Research Program which supports research on new measurement, reporting and assurance concepts. The V. K. Zimmerman Center was originally known as the Center for International Education and Research in Accounting (CIERA). It remains a leader in the nation conducting research on the study and teaching of international topics as they relate to the field of accounting. 98% of graduates quickly find themselves employed and enjoy a highly successful career in the business world, earning an average mid-career salary of $100,000. Bravo University of Illinois!

If you enjoyed The Top Accounting Schools of the Midwest, stay tuned for our next journey through the southern part of the country to find the Top 10 Accounting Schools of the South. It is not all BBQ and Big Hair, many of the country’s finest business institutions call the South home.

One of the tax industry giants suffered a black eye today when they were forced to stop e-filing state tax returns for a period of time while they investigated a potential data breach. They've since announced there doesn't appear to be breach of customer's data, so what really went wrong? Here's my hypothesis.
Federal tax return fraud is huge. It's a growing problem that the IRS is struggling to cope with and it's been going on for years. State tax return fraud has been largely non-existent... so non-existent in fact that USA Today reported the state of Minnesota got suspicious when there were 2 reported cases of fraud. So what's going on and why is TurboTax being called out by these states? The rise in federal tax return fraud has grown steadily in relation to the number of software providers offering a free option... the reason we haven't seen state fraud as rampant is because historically it always cost money to prepare your state return with software. What's new this year besides a dramatic increase in state tax return fraud? TurboTax's Absolute Zero campaign. That's right, a lot more people can file their state taxes for free using TurboTax's software. That may seem great at first blush if you qualify, but an unintended consequence is it's now completely free for a fraudster to file a state tax return in addition to a federal one. And even if this doesn't affect you personally it creates a really expensive bill that's footed by all tax payers. If it does affect you personally even worse; the average time to resolve your case is 6 months and if you're due a refund that's a long time to wait.

Creating good tax software is hard. Sure, the math part of it is easy but you've got to make the interface dead simple (after all, everyone has to do their taxes not just professional computer jockeys). You have to figure out wording that is completely unambiguous despite the necessity of IRS language which may be incredible ambiguous. And think about the liability! If you've got a bug that screws up one person's tax return you've got a bug that screws up thousands of tax returns. You can't write tax software for free. Good engineers cost money, good interface designers cost money, and good insurance costs (a lot) of money. So how do you pay those costs and give your software away for free? Obviously you can't. You have to squeeze the money out somehow and there are really only two viable options:

Option 1: You get users in the door with free and then you upsell upsell upsell! Oh hey you want extra guidance? You'll need to upgrade. Ooooh you sold a share of stock and made a $100 profit? Upgrade. Even better, I'll keep throwing upsell screens at you until you accidentally upgrade or get so concerned the free version isn't trustworthy you upgrade just to make the nagging stop. Oh and don't forget the audit insurance. (protip: audit insurance is a lot like blackjack insurance). You know why I hate this strategy so much? Because when you're doing this to a customer they start to become guarded. They stop believing the tax software has their back and start feeling like it's a solar panel salesman. This is particularly bad when they're trusting you to help with a task they already want no part of. We should expect better.

Option 2: Use the customer's data against them. Data is hot right now. Rich personal data, especially hot. Rich personal and financial data? Shut up and take my money. And what better treasure trove of data than your personal income tax data! Luckily the IRS had the foresight to nip this one in the bud: Section 7216 of the Internal Revenue Code sets up stipulations on what a tax preparer can do with with the information you provide them... namely they can use it only to prepare your taxes. Full stop. Well, full stop-ish. If you give your tax preparer permission to use your data for other purposes they can do that. This includes things like targeted credit card offers, Roth IRA offers, 401k offers, and hey how about a wonderful timeshare in Orlando Florida. AND THEY'RE TRICKING YOU IN TO DOING IT. See this little beauty right here:

I grabbed this screenshot from the most recent version of a popular brand of tax software. If you're not careful it almost looks like something you need to sign; note that while the heading is a friendly and chipper "Sign now, save time later" and the beginning of the disclosure text states "Federal law requires this consent form be provided to you" the meat of this baby is "[company name] needs your tax return information to determine if you are eligible... for benefits beyond your refund." Yep. That's marketer-speak to make money off your data. And given how difficult it is to design a dead simple user interface I can't help but assume this one is designed to make it dead simple for customers to give their consent without realizing the implications.

So here we are. To be a viable business in this industry it costs real money to operate but we're racing to the bottom on price, and as a result we're at an all time high on tax fraud and sneaky pricing practices. Free tax software is bad. So what can you do about it? Well, you can email your congressman and complain that things have gone too far. If we all do this we can out-voice the expensive lobbyists. Or you can carefully wade in to the swamp, being extra careful with the buttons you click while second-guessing every screen you're shown... and as long as there are enough suckers in the herd you'll be ok for a few years. Or you can vote with your wallet and support small providers like us. At Common Form we're running a grand experiment to see if people are willing to pay a fair price for honest service. Can tax software be a viable business without resorting to shady tactics? We hope so.

Here at Common Form, we dream in triplicate and we are always interested in finding which higher education institutions are churning out the next Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and Russell Wilson of Accounting. In other words, who will we be sorting mail for when we are 65? As a follow up to the previous list we compiled on the Top 10 Accounting Schools in the West, we have now assembled a list of the Top 10 Accounting Schools on the East Coast. If you're looking for schools in other parts of the country, check out The Top 10 Accounting Schools in the Midwest.

The criteria used to evaluate these colleges include:

Job placement rates and average starting salary for graduates

Awards and recognition

Faculty and staff

Funds generated and allocated for research

Drumroll please….and here they are the Top 10 Accounting Schools on the East Coast:

10. Binghamton University, School of Management

Beautiful Binghamton Universitykicks off our list. The campus is spread across 930 acres of wooded hillside above the Susquehanna River in the suburb of Vestal, nestled in the southern-most part of the state of New York, just miles from the Pennsylvania border. The School of Management boasts their undergraduate programs in accounting and management prepare graduates for admission to elite graduate-level programs. 86% of graduates receive job offers and enjoy a beginning average salary of $58,000.

9. New York University, Stern School of Business

Everyone has heard of NYU, most notably for its theater arts program, but the Leonard N. Stern School of Business is no act! NYU’s undergraduate business and accounting programs are often listed among the best in the country and has earned a solid ranking of #9. One of the greatest draws of NYU’s accounting program is the ability to co-major in general accounting and choose a concentration in any of the following specialties: investment banking, securities markets, tax management, personal financial planning and corporate financial management. Graduates holding a B.S in Accounting from Stern are highly sought-out and have an average starting salary of $65,000, earning an average mid-career salary of $114,000.

8. Bryant University, College of Business

Coming in at a very respectable #8 is Bryant University found in the Northern region of the tiny state of Rhode Island. “As a student at Bryant University, you’ll belong to a dynamic community with an atmosphere of purpose.” Its accounting program is no exception. Their College of Business creates leaders in financial reporting, taxation, auditing and management. Graduates of this program can expect to earn an average starting salary of $52,000 and mid-career salaries of $80,000.

7. CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business

You don't hear a lot about of The Zicklin School of Business at CUNY Bernard M BaruchCollege, at least out here in San Diego. But according to our criteria, it is a major player and is regularly ranked as one of the premiere business schools in the country. We gave it lucky #7 and deservedly so. This school attracts top faculty and fosters practical accounting and business practices. Baruch College City University New York is found in the center of bustling NYC, blocks from Wall Street “the financial heartbeat of our nation.” Students are a part of the pulse and reap the benefits with graduates being highly sought after landing well-paying jobs and earning an average mid-career salary of $89,000.

6. University Of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business

It comes as no surprise that The University of Maryland, College Park’s Robert H. Smith School of Business is ranked #6. University of Maryland may be the queen of online education, but the accounting program at Robert H. Smith School of Business has been recognized by TheWall Street Journal as one of the top 10 in the country. Graduates of this fine institution are a favored source for accounting hires. 90% of degree holders find themselves employed and can expect to earn average wages of $ 93,000.

5. Penn State University, Smeal College of Business

#5 in the line-up are the Nittany Lions, Penn State University’s Smeal College of Business. A dominant presence in the state of Pennsylvania, the Smeal College of Business was named in honor of its benefactors Mary Jean and Frank P. Smeal, two Penn State University alumni. “WE ARE” now that’s school pride! The accounting program is known for its many certification programs and five year fast track through Bachelor’s to Master’s program. Graduates of this program can expect to earn $ 101,000 with 90% of the student body finding employment upon completion.

4. Boston College, Carroll School of Management

We give Boston College, Carroll School of Management a rank of #4, while there is no trophy, the race was hard and BC should be proud! And if not, I think Bostonians could take Villanova accountants in a fight and grab the bronze. Boston College is known for its world-class faculty and the strong success of its graduates. The accounting curriculum with its choice of specialties, adequately prepares graduates for an array of accounting roles. Graduates can enjoy earning an average mid-career salary of $109,000.

3. Villanova University, School of Business

The third place medal goes to The Villanova University School of Business and not because the name and crest seem Italian and expensive, they earned it. Another Pennsylvania school this time Catholic with the moto “ignite change and go nova.” The School is all Business offering an accountancy program that prepares students for their careers by incorporating theory and principles with real life experience in current business practices. What sets Villanova apart are the elective offerings in international, real estate and fraud accounting. Villanova graduates can expect to earn an average starting salary of $55,000 and mid-career salaries averaging $107,000.

2. Bentley University

The dark horse Bentley University pulled in at a surprising and extremely impressive #2. Tipping the scales was the university’s integration of technology with the Howard A. Winer Accounting Center for Electronic Learning and Business Measurement (ACELAB), “students gain firsthand experience with sophisticated technologies that are reshaping the accounting profession.” The prestigious university is located in Waltham, Massachusetts. The accounting program at Bentley University has held the honor of being named one of the best in the entire country and is a contender for our soon to be formulated Top 10 Accounting Schools in the Nation. Graduates of this top ranked business college can expect an average starting salary of $50,000 with an unprecedented 95% post-graduate career placement rate.

1. University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business

And finally, the Belle of the Ball, coming in first place at #1 University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business. The undergraduate accounting program for the University of Pennsylvania is housed in the prestigious Wharton School. Founded by the famous inventor and patriot, Benjamin Franklin, and American industrialist Joseph Wharton, this university has a record of coming in first. The renowned faculty has developed a multidisciplinary curriculum giving students the tools they need to navigate today’s complex economy. Graduates from this elite institution can expect an average salary of $124,000 with 98% of alumni experiencing heavy recruitment and employment.

We hope you enjoyed this compilation of the Top 10 Accounting Schools on the East Coast. Stay-tuned for our next trek through corn fields and cow pastures scouring the “Heartland of America” to find the Top 10 Accounting Schools of the Midwest.

Happy Friday! Although the weather is a little gloomy in San Diego, our mood is sunny and bright here at Common Form HQ! Why? Business is booming, the Super Bowl is this weekend, and besides, we need the rain. Plus, Monday (2/2/15) is the deadline for employers to mail your W-2. It may take a few days in transit, but soon most Americans will have their most important tax document in their hands and be able to file their taxes and get their refund.

As usual, here's a quick run down of the financial and tax news that caught my eye this week. Feel free to shoot us any tax stories that interested you to contact@common-form.com.

Intuit Cries Uncle, Will Reverse TurboTax Deluxe Changes. Intuit cried Uncle. It announced on Thursday 1/29/15, that it will provide users of its TurboTax Deluxe desktop product free upgrades this year and will next year reverse changes it made that limited the usefulness of the 2014 version.

The Essentials Of Tax Refunds

It's tax season, and whether this is your first year filing a tax return or your 50th, you probably have some questions about your tax refund. We cover the basics in this short and sweet article. It has five sections:

1. What is a tax refund?

Every time you get paid, income tax is withheld from your paycheck based on information you gave you your employer. In most cases, you settle up with Uncle Sam once a year, usually by April 15th. If you paid too much, you get a tax refund. If you underpaid you must pay additional taxes. The average tax refund is around $2,800, so be sure to file your taxes and get yours!

2. How is my refund calculated?

First, determine your tax obligation for the year. This is somewhat complicated and involves determining how much of your income is taxable vs. not, factoring in deductions and credits, and more. The headline is that your obligation is a percentage of your total income. Then compare your obligation to the taxes you've already paid, usually by the withholdings from your paychecks. If you've paid more than your obligation, you get the difference back in the form of a tax refund. If you paid less than your obligation, then you don't get a refund and you have to write a check for the balance due. This work is what is what most people consider "doing their taxes."

3. How do I claim my tax refund?

The only way to get your federal tax refund is to file a tax return. Most Americans use tax software or go to a professional like a CPA. You can also file your taxes by hand, but the IRS is trying to cut down on the paper it has to deal with so paper forms are harder to find these days. If you use software, You enter information about yourself and from the tax information you received in the mail, and the software calculates your refund or balance due then transmits your tax return electronically to the IRS. The IRS processes your return, and you get your tax refund.

4. How does the IRS send me my refund?

When you're doing your taxes online, you usually have two options for receiving your refund - direct deposit or have the IRS mail you a paper check. Direct deposit is much faster and is free, so we recommend it. You can also receive your refund in U.S. Savings Bonds. Some software providers offer pre-paid debit cards, too. We only recommend them if you don't have a bank account because there are almost always fees hidden in the fine print.

5. How long will it take to get my refund?

The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. However, it’s possible your tax return may require additional review and take longer. The easiest way to check your refund status is by using our automated tools. Where’s My Refund? has the most up to date information available about your refund. The tool is updated no more than once a day so you don’t need to check more often.

We hope you enjoyed this article. If it was helpful, your business is the best compliment you can give us.

Great question! But what you really meant to ask is – when can I file my 2014 taxes? It’s a bit confusing. In 2015 you will be filing your 2014 taxes, settling up with Uncle Sam on the income you made in 2014. The short answer is - now! File your taxes today. For more important tax dates and deadlines, read on.

January 5, 2015

Common Form opened its virtual doors and started accepting 2014 tax returns.

January 20, 2015

IRS e-file goes live and begins processing returns. If you file your taxes with us before Jan 20th, we'll transmit your return as soon as IRS is ready to process it.

February 2, 2015

Deadline for your employer to mail you your 2014 W-2. Note this is a mailing deadline, not a receipt deadline, so if your company is slacking, it may take a few extra days to get it via snail mail. Many employers offer electronic versions via the same website you can view your pay checks.

If you received unemployment income, this is also the deadline for the state(s) to provide you with a 1099-G.

Finally, this is deadline for banks to supply you with a 1099-INT reporting bank account interest you made. Note that banks are only required to issue a 1099-INT if you made at least $10 of interest during the year, however you are still required to report it even if they don't send you one. If you made less than $10, use your bank statements or online banking to determine the amount of interest you made.

April 15, 2015

Also known as “tax day.” Most people believe this is the deadline to file your income taxes. That’s close enough. It’s actually a payment deadline rather than a filing deadline. If you owe IRS additional taxes, you must file and pay them by this date to avoid fees and penalties. However, if you’re getting a refund, this deadline doesn’t apply to you. You can file for up to 3 years with no late fees or penalties. Read more about the deadline or file your taxes now.

If you want to, you could file an extension. But extensions are fool’s gold – you still have to pay at least 90% of taxes owed.

October 15, 2015

If you filed an extension and owe additional taxes, this is your deadline to file your completed return and pay any remaining taxes owed.

Happy Friday! It's been a great week here at Common Form HQ. The weather in San Diego is beautiful, the birds are chirping, and W-2s are starting to be mailed out. It's a great time to be a tax software company! :-)

Here's a quick summary of the tax and financial news that caught my eye this week.

IRS Began Processing Tax Returns on January 20. IRS e-file began processing tax returns on schedule on Tuesday January 20. 2015, marking what many consider the official opening of tax season. IRS also began processing paper returns. If you submitted your return with tax software before 1/20, it will submitted to IRS on a first in, first out basis.

Phishing Remains on the IRS “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams for 2015. The Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers to watch out for fake emails or websites looking to steal personal information. These phishing schemes continue to be on the annual IRS list of “Dirty Dozen” tax scams for the 2015 filing season.

Common Form Partners with Tax Act. On 1/21/15, We announced a partnership with TaxAct, enabling Common Form customers with complex finances an easy way to file their taxes online. We are very excited about this partnership and our newfound ability to service all individual tax filers, regardless of tax complexity.